Guidance - Pressure Relief and Post Discharge Venting of Enclosures Protected by Gaseous Fire Fighting Systems

Guidance on the pressure relief and post discharge venting of enclosures
protected by gaseous fire fighting systems

FIA Guidance for the Fire Protection Industry

This Guidance Note is intended as a general guidance and is not a substitute for detailed advice in specific
circumstances. Although great care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of this publication to
ensure accuracy, the FIA cannot in any circumstances accept responsibility for errors, omissions or advice given or
for any losses arising from reliance upon information contained in this publication.

Fire Industry Association
Tudor House
Kingsway Business Park
Oldfield Rd
Hampton
Middlesex
TW12 2HD
Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 5002
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8941 0972
e-mail: info@fia.uk.com

2 of 25
Guidance on Venting of Gas Systems_Issue2
Copyright:
The contents of this guidance note are copyright of The Fire Industry Association Limited. Reproduction or
publication in whole or part without prior permission is expressly forbidden.

Guidance on the pressure relief and post
discharge venting of enclosures protected by
gaseous fire fighting systems

1
st
February 2012
Issue 1 9
th
November 2010
Issue 2 8
th
March 2012

3 of 25
Contents

Introduction 4
1. Scope 5
2. References 5
3. Definitions 5
4. Use and Limitations 6
5. Safety 6
6. System design - pressure relief venting 6
7. System design - post discharge venting 25
8. Acceptance 25
9. Service and maintenance 25

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Introduction

The effectiveness of a gaseous total flooding fire fighting system depends, in part, on retention of the air-
extinguishant mixture within the protected volume for a period of time. Retention of the extinguishant-air
mixture requires that gas exchange (leakage) between the enclosure and the ambient environment be
restricted. In order to limit the rate of gas exchange the enclosure boundary must have a high degree of integrity.
To put it another way, the sum total of the areas of the various penetrations in an enclosures bounding surfaces
must be low, at least during the gas-retention period (hold time) after the end of extinguishant discharge.

Addition of a gaseous fire fighting extinguishant to an enclosure having limited vent area will naturally result in a
change of pressure therein. If the enclosure is sealed too tightly during the extinguishant discharge, i.e., too little
vent area, the pressure change could exceed the structural strength of one or more of its bounding surfaces
windows, doors, walls, ceiling. Conversely, if the enclosure has too much vent area then gas exchange with the
ambient atmosphere will occur rapidly, leading to short retention time of the extinguishant within the protected
volume.

Thus, the use of gaseous fire fighting systems must address two performance considerations:
a. Pressure management within the protected volume during the period of extinguishant discharge
b. Retention of the extinguishant-air mixture within the enclosure for a specified period of time after the
completion of the discharge

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1. Scope

This document provides guidance on fulfilling the requirements contained in BS EN15004-1 and BS 5306-4, in
respect to over and under pressurisation venting - clauses 7.4.1 and 10.3.3. respectively and post discharge
extract - clauses 5.3 h) and 15.9 respectively.

It considers the design, selection and installation of vents to safeguard the structural integrity of enclosures
protected by fixed gaseous fire fighting systems and the post discharge venting provisions where used.

2. References
BS EN 15004-1 Fixed Fire fighting systems Gas Extinguishing Systems Part 1 Design, installation and
Maintenance

BS 5306-4 - Fire Extinguishing installations and equipment on premises Part 4: Specification for carbon dioxide
systems

3. Definitions

3.1 back pressure
pressure downstream of a vent

3.2 fire damper
a device designed to prevent the spread of fire

3.3 free vent area
the effective area provided by the vent when subjected to the required pressure at the peak flow rate.

3.4 gross vent area
the overall area of the vent

3.5 negative pressure
a pressure in the protected room which is lower than ambient pressure

3.6 peak pressure
the maximum specified differential pressure in the enclosure used for design of the vent system. This must
not exceed the room strength

3.7 positive pressure
a pressure in the protected room which is higher than ambient pressure

3.8 room strength
specified differential pressure limit for the protected enclosure

3.9 total vent area
sum of the free vent area and the natural leakage area

3.10 vent
a device or means to provide a flow path through an enclosure boundary to limit the pressure therein

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4. Use and Limitations

This document is for the use by those competent in the design, installation, servicing and maintenance of fixed
gaseous fire fighting systems. It also serves as guidance for those involved in the design, construction and
operation of buildings in which such systems are installed.

It does not replace the need for the person responsible for the design, construction and operation of the building
to fulfil their obligations in respect to providing adequate structural provisions.

There may be other trades and services involved in the complete system and the document is limited to providing
the guidance outlined in the document and does not purport to be expert in all areas.

5. Safety

5.1 Structural Safety
The provision of correctly designed and engineered pressure venting of enclosures protected by fixed gaseous fire
fighting systems is essential in order to prevent the possibility of failure of structural integrity. This is essential to
mitigate forces exerted by the changes in enclosure pressure when gaseous fighting media are discharged into an
enclosure.

5.2 Personnel Safety
The operation of pressure vents or extract systems, requires the removal of mixtures of air/gaseous media from a
protected enclosure to atmosphere or another area not necessarily protected. The safety issue may arise due to
exposures to the extinguishants themselves or products of combustion and/or extinguishant breakdown
products. In addition, any hazards arising from the operation of the over/under pressurisation vents themselves
should be considered.

6. System Design Pressure relief venting

6.1 General
The basic design principle is to limit the pressure excursions imposed on the structure of the protected enclosure
by the discharge of gaseous media to that within the limits the enclosure is designed to withstand.

6.2 Extinguishant characteristics
Consideration should be given to positive pressurisation created by all extinguishants and additionally to negative
pressurisation created by some extinguishants as defined in table A.

Table A Pressure effects of gaseous media
Extinguishant Name Positive Pressure Created Negative Pressure Created
FK 5-1-12 Yes Yes
HFC 125 Yes Yes
HFC 227ea Yes Yes
HFC 23 Yes No
IG 01 Yes No
IG 100 Yes No
IG 55 Yes No
IG 541 Yes No
CO2 Yes No

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Inert Gas
Halocarbon Gas
Inert Gas (Constant Flow)
6.2.1 Pressure graphs
The graphs below illustrate the typical pressure excursions that would occur during discharge.

6.3 Enclosure characteristics
It is the clients responsibility and not the fire protection system supplier to determine the room strength. The
client must advise the allowable pressure differential the protected enclosures can withstand without sustaining
damage.

Our understanding of building strength standards in the UK is that normal (blockwork) construction can withstand
500 pascals, whilst lightweight structures such as stud partitioning can withstand only 250 pascals. Both figures

8 of 25
assume fixings at the top and bottom. Certain structure types may have even lower limits, particularly suspended
ceilings. However, fire system engineers are not qualified to give guidance on room strengths, so it is up to the
client to provide this information. In the event that the client does not make clear what the allowable pressure
the enclosure will withstand, it is necessary to obtain his acceptance of the figures used.

Note : In view of issues related to enclosures utilising suspended ceilings, it is recommended that protection is
provided to volumes above and below the suspended ceiling where practical.

6.4 Vent paths
It is generally assumed that positive/negative pressure vent paths will lead to/from atmosphere. Positive vent
paths will assist in the safe transfer of the displaced air/extinguishant volume to atmosphere in the most efficient,
uncomplicated manner as well as ensuring air/extinguishant contaminated with fire by-products also finds a safe
route to outside air.
As positive pressure venting may involve the displacement of smoke, the possible effect on fire detection systems
along the vent path should be considered.

Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to consider the use of adjacent spaces as the means to dissipate
the pressure condition, either directly as a function of the volume of that adjacent space or where the adjacent
space acts as transit path to atmosphere. Under the circumstances described in the latter, special venting
considerations may be required to ensure the pressure condition is not simply transferred to that adjacent space
(see clause 6.9).

6.5 Types of vents
There are various types of vent which can be used for this application and these vents may fall into the following
categories:

6.5.1 Gravity vents
The blades for these vents are generally hinged on the top edge. They have no electric or pneumatic actuation but
rely totally on the room pressure change in order to move the vent blades.

This type of vent may provide a free vent area significantly less than the gross vent area. In addition, the vent
design creates turbulent flow and therefore is likely to create higher pressure loss for any given flow. This
additional pressure should be factored into the determination of the free vent area required.

Vents, if not fitted with an end stop, for example cat flaps, could relieve pressures in both directions, however,
these are not recommended unless they are able to avoid compromising the enclosure fire rating.

6.5.2 Counter weighted flap vent
This type of vent is configured with the hinge located just off of the centre of gravity, so that when positive
pressure is exerted on the upstream side of the vent it allows the vent blades to pivot to their fully open
positions.

The vent can be designed such that there is a minimum operational release pressure, which will ensure that
nuisance movement is avoided.

Typical vents would be more efficient than gravity flap vents.

6.5.3 Electrically operated vents
This type of vent utilises blade(s) operated by an electric motor.

9 of 25

This type of vent is the reliant upon power at the time of the discharge, therefore if no other option is available
there should be a protected power supply to the vent motor to ensure that failure of mains does not leave the
vent in the closed position.

This type of vent generally opens more slowly than other types of vent and correct operation may be dependent
on the sequence of activation and the time allowed for the vent to open fully.

6.5.4 Pneumatically operated vent
Pneumatically operated vents are actuated by pressure, normally of gas flowing through the pipe work or
alternatively by pilot containers or compressed air line.

6.5.5 Vent accessories

6.5.5.1 Security provisions
If the vent is located within an external wall at low level it is feasible that the client will have some concerns
regarding forced entry, therefore it is likely that security bars could be fitted across the aperture in order to retain
the building security.

6.5.5.2 Insect Screen
If there is concern that insects could penetrate the building through the vent it may be necessary to specify insect
screens, however, these are fine mesh and could have a significant impact on the free vent areas.

6.5.5.3 Weather Louvres
When fitted on exposed, external faces of a building it is possible that rain may penetrate the opening even with
the vent in the closed position. In this case a weather louvre could be fitted externally, however this could have a
significant impact on the free vent areas.

6.5.5.4 Decorative grilles
Where a decorative grille is used to cover the inner face of the vent assembly, however this could have an impact
on the free vent areas.

6.5.5.5 Limit Switches
Should electrically or pneumatically operated vents be inadvertently left in the open position they could become
either a security risk or endanger the equipment within the space by the infiltration of pollution from external
sources. In this case it may be desirable to fit limit switch(es) to monitor the position of the vent and create a
warning signal, either locally, or through the Building Management System, or both

6.6 Vent Characteristics

6.6.1 Vent Efficiency
Pressure relief vents, of whatever type (see section 6.5), control the flow of air by the movement of air control
elements (blades). The design of the blades and the extent to which they open at any given pressure determines
the free vent area of the vent at that pressure. For example, if a vent has a nominal area of 1.0 square metres and
an efficiency of 50% at 100 pascals it will provide a free vent area of 0.5 square metres at 100 pascals. The blades
of the same vent may open more at higher pressures, perhaps having an efficiency of 80% at 250 pascals and thus
provide a free vent area of 0.8 square metres at 250 pascals. It is therefore recommended that vent
manufacturers provide free vent areas at no less than three pressures, for example 100, 250 and 500 pascals.

10 of 25
Vent efficiency will be reduced by the addition of other accessories in the vent path, e.g. weather louvres, grilles
etc. Whilst it would be impossible for vent manufacturers to test their vents with every variety of accessory
available (manufacturer, style etc.), they should be able to provide a safe assessment of the potential effect based
on the free vent area of the accessory proposed.

6.6.2 Minimum Opening Pressure
The vent should be designed to have a minimum opening pressure to avoid nuisance opening. This should be at
least 50 pascals.

6.6.3 Minimum Closing Pressure
The vent should be designed to have a minimum closing pressure to ensure closure at the end of the discharge.
This should be at least 30 pascals.

6.6.4 Fire rating
Where vents are included in an enclosure they should not reduce the fire rating of the structure and therefore be
of equivalent fire rating.

6.7 Vent location and mounting

6.7.1 Vent location
The most favourable location for the vent is on an exterior wall of the building.

The vent should be located taking due account of the discharge nozzles and any objects both inside and outside
the enclosure in the vicinity of the vent.

The vent should be located on an area of wall within the enclosure which is devoid of all services or other fixtures
or fittings that could impede the flow path. Where available free wall space is limited, consideration may have to
be given to having a bespoke vent manufactured which will fit the available space constraints.

0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
100.00%
0 75 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

E
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y

Pressure (Pa)
Efficiency of Pressure Relief Vents
Gravity
Counter-
weighted

11 of 25
The most significant hazard which arises from obstructions placed on either side of the vent are those which are
of a non-fixed or temporary arrangement, which may impede flow or prevent the vent from functioning correctly.
Such items may not be present at the time at which the gaseous fire fighting system is designed and ultimately
handed over; examples may include skips, packing boxes, filing cabinets etc.

Where obstruction of either side of the vent is possible, suitable warning notices or physical barriers should be
provided.

The discharge of a gaseous fire fighting system causes rich streams of extinguishant to be liberated from the
discharge nozzles, which dissipate the further the flow gets from the nozzle. It follows, therefore, that placing a
vent in close proximity to nozzles and directly in the path of discharge may cause a disproportionate quantity of
extinguishant to be vented during the discharge.

Vents should be positioned taking into account the above points and any location in the enclosure boundary may
be suitable.

6.7.2 Vent mounting
The following are provided as general information which may vary between suppliers. Vents may feature a
mounting flange which is fixed to the surface to which the vent is to be mounted, using suitable screws. The
surface to which the vent is to be fitted needs to be flat and where the surface is stepped or uneven, additional
mounting frames may be required. Additional mounting frames may also need to be utilised where the vents are
being fitted in very thin enclosure walls such as GRP cabins; or where existing window frames are used; or where
the vents is to be mounted in a door.

Vents are generally fabricated from sheet steel and depending on the type of vent, will include items such as,
weights on each vent blade, pneumatic actuators or electric motors. Consequently, the vents themselves will
have a weight, which can be significant where either a number of small vents are located together in one area, or
where a single large vent is used. The supplier should state the weight of the vent supplied and the building
contractor make due allowance for this where it is necessary to build in additional structural members to support
the weight.

The rigidity of the vent frame in which the blades are mounted varies between manufactures. Furthermore, the
larger the vent, the more prone to distortion the frames become. Where manufacturers fit cross braces to the
vent to limit distortion, these shall not be removed until the vent is installed. Since the vent blades are invariably
a close fit with the frame, any distortion of the frame can hamper the full and correct opening of the damper
blades. It is therefore essential that the size of the hole physically made in the wall has a sufficient degree of slack
around the vent frame to ensure that the frame does not become distorted by the wall. The building contractor
must ensure that once the vent is fitted and the mounting screws fully tightened, that the vent is free of any
distortion and all the blades are able to freely move such that they can fully open and will fully close under gravity
(or normal power source) alone.

Some vents are supplied with a telescopic tube which lines the surface of the hole cut in the wall. The use of such
telescopic tubes reduces the amount of builders work necessary in cleaning up the edges of the hole after it has
been formed. All wall linings should retain the fire rating of the structure.

12 of 25
6.8 Total vent area calculations

6.8.1 Total vent area requirement (non liquefiable gases and CO
2
)

The area is calculated using the formula below (where a value of 1.0 has been assumed for the co-efficient of
resistance of the flow through an opening).

H
S P
S M
A
*
*
=
A = Total vent area (square metres)
M = mass flow of extinguishant (kgs/second)
S = specific vapour volume of extinguishant (cubic metres/kg)
P = maximum room strength (pascals)
S
H
= specific vapour volume of homogenous mix (cubic metres/kg)
Where

AIR H
S
C S C
S *
100
100
100
*
|
.
|
\
|

+ =

C = design concentration (%)
S
AIR
= specific vapour volume of air given by :-
S
AIR
= K1 + K2 * T
K1 = 0.773824
K2 = 0.002832967
T = Temperature in degrees C

Where

|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
C 100
100
l n * Q
R
S
S
R

S
R
= specific reference volume of extinguishant at the reference filling temperature and at 1.013 bar (cubic
metres/ cubic metres)

Q
R
= the quantity in cubic metres of extinguishant required at the reference temperature and at a pressure of
1.013 bar.

Example Calculations for Inert Gases (values taken from BS EN 15004)

Note : in these examples peak discharge percentage relates to the stored quantity of gas

IG-55 @ 20
o
C
Temperature 20
o
C
S (IG-55) 0.7081 m
3
/kg
S
AIR
0.8305 m
3
/kg

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S
H
0.7752 m
3
/kg
P 500 Pa
Volume 260m
3

Design Concentration 45.2%
Flooding factor 0.8494 kg/m
3

Amount of gas required 220.84 kg
Number of containers holding 32.09kg (80 litre 300 bar) 7
Actual gas flowing 224.63 kg

Total vent area required assuming vent co-efficient of 1:
1. Peak discharge at 3%, 60 second discharge (6.74 kg/s) 0.243 m
2

2. Peak discharge at 1.5%, 120 second discharge (3.37 kg/s) 0.122 m
2

3. Constant discharge, 60 second discharge (3.744 kg/s) 0.135 m
2

IG-100 @ 5
o
C
Temperature 5
o
C
S (IG-100) 0.8143 m
3
/kg

S
AIR
0.7880 m
3
/kg
S
H
0.7986 m
3
/kg
P 250 Pa
Volume 530m
3

3

Actual gas flowing 348.32kg

Total vent area required:
2

2

2

IG-541 @ 35
o
C
Temperature 35
o
C
S (IG-541) 0.7416 m
3
/kg

S
H
0.8206 m
3
/kg
S
AIR
0.8730 m
3
/kg
P 350 Pa
Volume 435m
3

3

Actual gas flowing 344.34kg

Total vent area required:

14 of 25
2

2

2

Carbon Dioxide at 0
o
C
Temperature: 0
o
C
S (CO
2
) 0.505 m
3
/kg
Design Concentration 34%
S
H
0.6824 m
3
/kg
S
AIR
0.7738 m
3
/kg
P 100 Pa
Volume 375m
3

Flooding Factor 0.8 kg/m
3

Amount of gas required 300 kg
Number of containers holding 50kg 6
Actual Gas Flowing 300 kg

Total Vent Area Required:

Constant discharge, 60 second discharge (5 kg/s) 0.306 m
2

6.8.2 Total vent area requirements (liquefiable gases)
The US based Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) have issued a Guide to Estimating Enclosure Pressure
and Pressure Relief Vent Area for Applications Using Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. This guidance has
been based upon experimental data attained via collaboration with various industry participants, including a
number of multinational organisations.
The FSSA work is by far the most in-depth investigation to-date, on the estimation of enclosure pressure and total
vent area requirements.
Due to the unique status of the FSSA Guidance at this juncture, together with the backing of appropriate
experimental data, the same calculation methodology for halocarbon extinguishants is used within this FIA
guidance document. It should be noted, that the form of the equations have been consolidated into a single
expression and to represent SI units.
The calculation methodology provides means to estimate the pressure excursion expected for a specified
extinguishing agent and to estimate the required vent size in order to limit the maximum and minimum pressure
within the enclosure.
The following input parameters are required to use the calculation methodology:
- Extinguishing agent
- Protected enclosure volume
- Extinguishing system discharge time
- Extinguishing concentration
- Relative humidity of enclosure
If the enclosure strength is known it is possible to calculate the required total vent area.

15 of 25
If the total vent area is known then it is possible to calculate the expected pressure excursion following an
extinguishing system discharge.
Parameter Unit Definition
+vePE Pa Positive Pressure Excursion
-vePE Pa Negative Pressure Excursion
TotalVentArea m
2
the sum of the free vent area and the natural leakage area
Volume m
3
Protected enclosure volume
Conc % Suppressant concentration used in the protected enclosure
t
d
s Gaseous fire fighting system discharge time
%RH % Relative humidity within the enclosure
+veEPL Pa Enclosure positive pressure limit
-veEPL Pa Enclosure negative pressure limit
+veFVA m
2

Positive free vent area required to ensure that the positive pressure excursion
is below the enclosure positive pressure limit (+veEPL)
-veFVA m
2

Negative free vent area required to ensure that the negative pressure
excursion is below the enclosure negative pressure limit (-veEPL)

CAUTION: The magnitude of both +veEPL and veEPL for each extinguishant have limits of applicability. The
calculation methodology is based on experimental data and therefore the prediction of the calculation tool must
remain within the data envelope investigated. Calculations based on parameters outside the limits of applicability
will not be accurate and it is strongly advised that such calculations are treated accordingly.
If the relative humidity level is not known, 50% is the recommended value to use.

FK-5-1-12 : Limits of applicability:
6s t
d
10s
4.2% Conc 6.0%
20% RH% 80%
+veEPL 240Pa
-veEPL -1200Pa

Pressure Excursion for FK-5-1-12
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + - |
.
|
\
|
- - =

100
%RH
0.51 0.81
Conc
t
Volume
rea TotalVentA
0.042649
1.0334
d
Equ. 1
-vePE |
.
|
\
|
- - |
.
|
\
|
- - =

100
%RH
1.79 - 1.68
Conc
t
Volume
rea TotalVentA
0.32170
1.0318
d
Equ. 2

Total Vent Area for FK-5-1-12
Positive
Total Vent Area
0.9677
d
100
%RH
0.51 0.81
veEPL
Volume
t
Conc
0.04678
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
+
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =

Equ. 3

16 of 25
Negative
Total Vent Area
0.9692
d
100
%RH
1.79 1.68
veEPL
Volume
t
Conc
0.34309
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =

Equ. 4

HFC-227-ea : Limits of applicability:
6s t
d
10s
6.25% Conc 10.5%
20% RH% 80%
+veEPL 380Pa
-veEPL -1000Pa

Pressure Excursion for HFC-227-ea
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + -
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
%RH
0.51 0.81 27.922
t rea TotalVentA
Conc Volume
ln 4.2 48.359
d

Equ.5
-vePE |
.
|
\
|
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
%RH
1.79 - 1.68 62.76
t rea TotalVentA
Conc Volume
ln 9.41 46.444
d

Equ. 6
Total Vent Area for HFC227-ea
Positive
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
+ -
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =
100
%RH
0.51 0.81
veEPL 0.00497
exp Volume
t
Conc
0.00130
d

Equ. 7
Negative
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =
100
%RH
1.79 1.68
veEPL 0.00222
exp Volume
t
Conc
0.00127
d

Equ. 8

HFC-23 : Limits of applicability:
6s t
d
10s
18% Conc 30%
20% RH% 80%
+veEPL -1400Pa

Pressure Excursion for HFC-23
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + - |
.
|
\
|
- - =

100
%RH
0.51 0.81
Conc
t
Volume
rea TotalVentA
0.08827
1.165
d
Equ. 9

Total Vent Area for HFC-23
Positive Total
Vent Area
0.8587
d
100
%RH
0.51 0.81
veEPL
Volume
t
Conc
0.12384
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
+
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =

Equ. 10

HFC-125 : Limits of applicability:
6s t
d
10s
8.0% Conc 10.5%
20% RH% 80%

17 of 25
+veEPL 480Pa
-veEPL -480Pa

Pressure Excursion for HFC125
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + - |
.
|
\
|
- - =

100
%RH
0.51 0.81
Conc
t
Volume
rea TotalVentA
0.045349
1.037
d
Equ. 11
-vePE |
.
|
\
|
- - |
.
|
\
|
- - =

100
%RH
1.79 - 1.68
Conc
t
Volume
rea TotalVentA
0.03949
1.039
d
Equ. 12

Total Vent Area for HFC125
Positive
Total Vent Area
0.964
d
100
%RH
0.51 0.81
veEPL
Volume
t
Conc
0.050
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
+
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =

Equ. 13
Negative
Total Vent Area
0.9622
d
100
%RH
1.79 1.68
veEPL
Volume
t
Conc
0.04589
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =

Equ. 14

Example Calculation 1:

Protected Enclosure
Volume = 125m
3
Air Conditioned 50%RH
Room Strength = 500Pa
Total Vent Area = 0.042m
2

Extinguishing System
Agent = HFC227ea
Concentration = 8.5vol%
System Discharge time = 9.2s

Calculate the expected pressure excursion following the discharge of the extinguishing system:
Select the HFC227ea equation (Equ.5 ) for positive pressure excursion (+vePE)
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + -
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
%RH
0.51 0.81 27.922
t rea TotalVentA
Conc Volume
ln 4.2 48.359
d

Equ. 15
+vePE |
.
|
\
|
- + -
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
50
0.51 0.81 27.922
9.2 0.042
8.5 125
ln 4.2 48.359

Equ. 16
+vePE ( ) ( ) ( ) 065 . 1 922 . 27 2750 ln 2 . 4 359 . 8 4 - - - =

Equ. 17
+vePE ( ) ( ) ( ) 065 . 1 922 . 27 919 . 7 2 . 4 359 . 8 4 - - - =

Equ. 18
+vePE ( ) ( ) 065 . 1 339 . 5 359 . 8 4 - - =

Equ. 19
+vePE +275 Pa Equ. 20

Select the HFC227ea equation ( Equ. 6) for negative pressure excursion (-vePE)
-vePE |
.
|
\
|
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
%RH
1.79 - 1.68 62.76
t rea TotalVentA
Conc Volume
ln 9.41 46.444
d

Equ. 21

18 of 25
-vePE |
.
|
\
|
- - |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - =
100
50
1.79 - 1.68 62.76
9.2 0.042
8.5 125
ln 9.41 46.444

Equ. 22
-vePE ( ) ( ) ( ) 0.785 62.76 2750 ln 9.41 46.444 - - - =

Equ. 23
-vePE ( ) ( ) ( ) 0.785 62.76 7.919 9.41 46.444 - - - =

Equ. 24
-vePE ( ) ( ) 0.785 11.758 46.444 - - =

Equ. 25
-vePE -429Pa Equ. 26

19 of 25


Protected Enclosure
Volume = 7500m
3
Air Conditioned 50%RH
Room Strength = 500Pa
Extinguishing System
Agent = HFC227ea
Concentration = 7.9vol%
System Discharge time = 9.6s

Calculate the expected required free vent area following the discharge of the extinguishing system:
Select the HFC227ea equation (Equ. 7) for positive total vent area such that the enclosure positive pressure limit
is not exceeded. A key point here, is that the limit of applicability for the +veEPL must be adhered; for HFC227ea
this limit is 380Pa and so this is entered into the calculation even though the enclosure can withstand 500Pa.

Positive
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
+ -
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =
100
%RH
0.51 0.81
veEPL 0.00497
exp Volume
t
Conc
0.00130
d

Equ. 27
Positive
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
- +
-
- - |
.
|
\
|
- =
100
50
51 . 0 81 . 0
380 00497 . 0
exp 7500
9.6
7.9
0.00130

Equ. 28
Positive
Total Vent Area
( ) ( ) 773 . 1 exp 7500 0.8229 0.00130 - - - =

Equ. 29
Positive
Total Vent Area
1.363 m
2
Equ. 30

Select the HFC227ea equation (Equ. 8) for negative total vent area such that the enclosure negative pressure limit
is not exceeded.
Negative
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- -
|
|
.
|
\
|
- =
100
%RH
1.79 1.68
veEPL 0.00222
exp Volume
t
Conc
0.00127
d

Equ. 31
Negative
Total Vent Area
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
-
-
- - |
.
|
\
|
- =
100
50
1.79 1.68
500 0.00222
exp 7500
9.6
7.9
0.00127

Equ. 32
Negative
Total Vent Area
( ) ( ) 1.414 exp 7500 0.8229 0.00127 - - - =

Equ. 33
Negative
Total Vent Area
1.906 m
2
Equ. 34

6.8.3 Natural leakage
When determining the overall vent area required, it may be acceptable to take into account the natural leakage
area. This natural leakage area is the equivalent leakage area (ELA) as determined by the room integrity test.

20 of 25
NOTE : When the integrity test is conducted with doors held open in adjacent rooms to the room under test,
there could be less natural leakage available than may have been assumed from the ELA value. In such cases, if
natural leakage is to be used for pressure relief, the protected enclosure must be assessed and judgement applied
in deciding what proportion of the ELA is used as a contribution to the total vent area

6.9 Cascade venting calculations
Where the over-pressure venting for a gaseous fire fighting system needs to transit through one or more adjacent
enclosures in order to vent to atmosphere the vents in the enclosure boundaries should be determined as
follows:

V1
V3
AP14
A34
A13
V2
A12
A24
A
1
V4
AP34
AP13
AP12
AP24
V4
V4

21 of 25
All volumes are in m
3
, all free vent areas are in m
2
, and all pressure differentials are in Pa. V1, V2, V3 and V4 are
all discrete enclosures; for explanatory purposes V1 is an enclosure protected by gaseous extinguishing systems,
V2 is an adjacent enclosure, V3 is a corridor and V4 is atmosphere.
A1 free vent area if the protected enclosure vented directly to atmosphere V4.
A12 free vent area from the protected enclosure V1 into the adjacent enclosure V2.

A24 free vent area from enclosure V2 to atmosphere V4.

A13 free vent area from the protected enclosure V1 into the adjacent enclosure V3.

A34 free vent area from the enclosure V3 to atmosphere V4
P14 pressure differential between V1 and V4. With V4 representing atmosphere, this will be equivalent to the
maximum allowable pressure in V1
P12 pressure differential between V1 and V2.

When venting directly to the atmosphere from the protected space the pressure loss (differential) through the
free vent area A1 is P14. When the vent flow has to pass through two vents then the optimum design occurs
when the pressure differential is equal, i.e. P12 = P24. As a result A12 = A24 = 2 x A1. This is because, in order
to achieve the same flow with only half the pressure differential, the area of each vent must be 2 x A1 when
there are two vents in the flow path. Similarly the area of each vent must be 3 x A1, if there are three equally
sized vents in the flow path etc.

Of course any combination of pressure differentials can be used as long as the sum of differential pressures does
not exceed the maximum enclosure strength. To prevent flow and pressure oscillations through the enclosures,
only one of the vents in the flow path should be a flap type vent; the remainder should be actuated to remain
fully open during the venting process.

22 of 25


Example - cascade venting calculations for IG541 (Peak Discharge)

Temperature 20
o
C
S (IG541) 0.70 m
3
/kg
S
air
0.830 m
3
/kg
Design concentration 40%
S
H
0.781 m
3
/kg
Enclosure 1 284 m
3

Flooding Factor 51%
IG541 Quantity 204 kg
Peak flow rate 2.5%
P14 maximum allowable pressure 500Pa

Venting directly to atmosphere:
P14 = 500Pa
A1 = 0.025 * 204 * 0.70
(500 * 0.781)

A1 = 0.182 m
2

Cascade venting through adjacent enclosure V2 vent size optimised

P12 = P23 = 250 Pa

A12 = A24 = 0.025 * 204 * 0.70
(250 * 0.781)

A12 = A23 = 0.258 m
2
; alternatively A1 can be multiplied by 2 in this optimised condition.

Cascade venting through adjacent enclosure V3 minimising size of vent in outside wall (A34).

P13 = 100 Pa
P34 = 400 Pa

A13 = 0.025 * 204 * 0.70
(100 * 0.781)

A13 = 0.407 m
2

A34 = 0.025 * 204 * 0.70
(400 * 0.781)

A34 = 0.204 m
2

23 of 25
6.9.1 Cascade vent arrangements
Cascade venting is the means to vent from one area through one or more areas.; it is sometimes necessary should
the protected area be within another area, e.g. a computer room in the centre of a building rather than located
adjacent to an outside wall.

Cascade venting calculations need to determine intermediate pressures generated since these will affect the flow
of the exiting gases. This is equally applicable to flow through ducts.

As an example, the intermediate vent area is calculated with a lateral wall strength of 250Pa. The intermediate
pressure through the flow path is 125 Pa. In order to allow for this, the vent area calculation needs to be made on
125 Pa to achieve 250 Pa maximum differential. When calculating pressure losses through ducts pressure loss will
change with flows that change with the vent area, so an iterative process is required to get a more exact value.

Cascade vent arrangements, for the necessary design calculations and considerations above can be as follows:

1. Protected Area 1 to Protected Area 2 to atmosphere. Vent from Area 1 to Area 2, via a pre-opened vent,
i.e. electric or pneumatic, to atmosphere
2. Protected Area 1 to Protected Area 2 to any further protected area(s) to atmosphere. Vent from Area 1 to
Area 2, and then via pre-opened vents through any further protected area(s) and then to atmosphere
3. Protected Area 1 to atmosphere via duct work. Duct work and vents will need to be sized in accordance
with maximum lateral pressure and flow requirements.

6.9.2 Venting into adjacent enclosures

When a protected enclosure is required to have pressure relief venting fitted, and the vent path is into an
adjacent enclosure (i.e. cascade venting) it is important that the volume of the adjacent enclosure is large enough
such that the room strength is not compromised. This can be determined by the following methodology and
calculation.
V
1
is the volume (m
3
) of the enclosure (1) which employs a gaseous fire protection system and has pressure relief
fitted which connects it to an adjacent enclosure (2) of volume V
2
. If V
2
is not large enough to act as a reservoir
for flow of gas into or out of V
1
during a system discharge, then V
2
will also require pressure relief.
The following two sections detail how to determine the minimum size of V
2
such that pressure relief on V
2
is NOT
required.

6.9.2.1 Over-Pressurisation : Determination of adjacent enclosure volume
The basis for this methodology is that at equilibrium the pressure generated by the injection of extinguishant gas
into V
1
will balance across the pressure relief vent into V
2
. By taking the volume of extinguishant injected, and
calculating what volume is required for that extinguishant to exert +veEPL (differential pressure) over the
combined volume of V
1
and V
2
. For all gaseous fire fighting agents, the minimum size of an adjacent volume V
2
,
for over-pressurisation can therefore be determined by:
V
2
1
1
V
veEPL
325 101 V factor flooding
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
- -

Equ. 35
where the flooding factor is in cubic metres/cubic metres (reference BS EN 15004) and +veEPL is the lower of the
positive enclosure pressure limits (in Pa) for V
1
and V
2
.
The free vent area between V
1
and V
2
must be calculated as a cascade vent arrangement as described in Section
6.9.

24 of 25

6.9.2.2 Under-Pressurisation : Determination of adjacent enclosure volume
For gaseous fire fighting agents that generate a negative pressure excursion during discharge (FK-5-1-12, HFC-
227ea, HFC-125) the minimum size of an adjacent volume V
2
, can be determined by:

V
2

Equ. 36
where veFVA is the free vent area (m
2
) between V
1
and V
2
based on a cascade arrangement (see Section 6.9), -
vePE
V1
is the negative pressure excursion in V
1
(Pa) and veEPL
V2
is the negative enclosure pressure limit for V
2

(Pa).

A 248 m
3
enclosure with a positive pressure limit of 500Pa is protected with an IG-55 inert gas suppression system
with an applied design concentration of 46vol% at 20 degrees C (flooding factor - 0.6057 m
3
/ m
3
)
6057 . 0
46 100
100
ln *
100
100
ln * Q
R
= |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
= |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
0.70812
0.69604
S
S
R
C

The over-pressure from this enclosure is to be vented into an adjacent enclosure of 20,000 cubic metres with a
positive pressure limit of 400Pa.
Determine whether or not this volume is of adequate size to ensure that the enclosure pressure limits are not
exceeded.
The free vent area required between the protected area and the adjacent enclosure must be determined under
the basis of cascade venting,
Using Equ. 35
Minimum volume of adjacent enclosure

248
400
248 325 101 0.6057
|
.
|
\
| - -

Equ. 37

37,803 m
3
Equ. 38
In this instance, the adjacent volume is not adequate on its own, and further pressure relief will be required on
the adjacent enclosure, calculated once again under the cascade venting premise.

An HFC227ea extinguishing system has been employed to protect a 248 m
3
enclosure with a pressure limit of
500 Pa at a design concentration of 8.0vol% at 20 degrees C and a discharge time of 9.5 seconds. The flooding
factor in cu.m/cu.m is 0.6335 kgs/cu.m multiplied by specific vapour volume at 20 degrees C of 0.1374 = 0.087
cu.m/cu.m. This enclosure is of particularly high integrity and so both under and over pressure relief has been
fitted and cascaded into an adjacent enclosure with a volume of 4,200m
3
and a pressure limit of 500 Pa. The
free vent area for the negative pressure excursion at 250Pa is 0.131m
2
(using Equ. 8 and a relative humidity of
50%).
Determine whether or not the adjacent enclosure is of adequate size to ensure that the enclosure pressure limits
are not exceeded.
Using Equ. 35 for the over-pressure calculation:

248
500
248 325 101 0.087
|
.
|
\
| - -

Equ. 39

4,124 m
3
Equ. 40
In this instance, the adjacent volume is of adequate size such that additional cascade venting is not required for
the over-pressure event.

Using Equ. 36 for the under-pressure calculation:

25 of 25


Equ. 41

1,817 m
3
Equ. 42
In this instance, the adjacent volume is of adequate size such that additional cascade venting is not required for
the under-pressure event.

7. System Design - Post discharge venting

In protected enclosures means for prompt natural or forced-draft ventilation of areas after any system discharge
should be provided, to safely remove fire by-products and extinguishant (as per EN 15004-1 and ISO 14520-1).
Forced draft ventilation will often be necessary. Care should be taken to completely dissipate hazardous
atmospheres and not just move them to other locations. It should be noted that most extinguishants are heavier
than air.

8. Acceptance
During system handover procedures, checks should be made to ensure vents are :-
a) properly sited
b) correctly sized
c) free to operate
d) mounted for correct orientation
e) mounted for correct flow direction
f) free from internal and external obstructions in the flow path
g) functionally tested (in the case of electrically and pneumatically operated vents)
Gaseous systems should remain disabled unless and until vents have been fitted and the above checks completed.

9. Service and maintenance
During servicing and maintenance procedures (at least every six months) the following should be checked to
ensure vents are:-.

a) free to operate
b) free from internal and external obstructions in the flow path
c) functionally tested (in the case of electrically and pneumatically operated vents)
If natural leakage has been used as the means or as a contribution towards the total vent area and if any concerns
exist over changes to the natural vent area, a room integrity test should be performed.

Guidance - Pressure Relief and Post Discharge Venting of Enclosures Protected by Gaseous Fire Fighting Systems

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Guidance on the pressure relief and post discharge venting of enclosures

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